Northeast as Gateway to ASEAN

NORTHEAST INDIA has an estimated 45 million population and is surrounded by around 4500km of the International border with Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Myanmar, Nepal. The region possesses immense potential in India’s relation with South Asian countries and organizations like ASEAN. It is connected to the mainland India by a 22km wide link known as Siliguri corridor (chicken neck). Northeast is considered as a GATEWAY for India to trade with Southeast Asian countries. The distinct geographic position, surrounding international border and proximity to the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) countries can help in transforming the northeastern region into an economic corridor connecting the ASEAN countries.

ASEAN consist of 10 members from Southeast Asia which was set up to enhance the cooperation among the member countries in the fields of trade, culture, education, healthcare, economy etc. India is a major partner of ASEAN. India actively engages in East Asia Summit and ASEAN Dialogue Forum to enhance trade and cooperation with ASEAN countries. Northeast India can be a pivot in increasing this engagement.

Importance of Northeastern region

The strategic position of the northeast is an advantage for the region to become a key player in India’s Act East Policy by partnering with ASEAN countries.

Northeast India due to its critical geographic location is considered to be the bridge between two sub-regions of Asia-South Asia and Southeast Asia.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Two Asian highways AH1 and AH2 pass through the northeastern region which helps in facilitating trade.

Tourism is an untapped field in the Northeastern region. Together with ASEAN countries, tourism can accelerate economic development of the region. This cooperation can enhance the INDIA-ASEAN relation and strengthen the cultural ties between the countries.

Role of Northeast in India’s Act East policy

Act east policy envisages better cooperation and engagement with ASEAN and countries in ASIA-PACIFIC. Northeastern region, with its proximity to the eastern countries, can have better exchange and cooperation in health, education, human resources etc.

Challenges in development of North East

Northeastern region is 9% of India’s total geographical area but only Contributes 3% of the GDP. Major challenges are:

Security is one of the most critical problems for facilitating trade and development. The secessionist tendencies, sub-ethnic conflicts and consequent militancy by organizations like NSCN-K, NSCN-M in Nagaland, Garo liberation army in Meghalaya etc are dampening the development of the northeastern region. AFSPA is enforced in Assam, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland, Manipur which is not conducive to do business. The recent Surgical strike in the Myanmar region may create strain in relation with the ASEAN countries.

Connectivity: Majority of the states and cities are not well connected in the region causing problems in free movement of goods and services. Also, developmental works are delayed due to this connectivity problem. Road transport is expensive and difficult to construct, Railway line density is low. Though Inland water transport has immense potential, it is also not developed.

Lack of Physical Infrastructure: Economic and Social development of northeast, underuse of its trade potential is due to lack of infrastructure. Fast implementation of infrastructure projects can boost trade and spur economic growth.

Land acquisition: Delay in the acquisition of land due to lack of proper dialogue and consensus between the stakeholders is stalling many projects.

Environmental concerns: It is difficult to obtain permission from the environmental ministry for developmental projects as the region is an important biodiversity hotspot.

Power shortages.

China factor

Northeast India has a Geopoliticalsignificance. Development of the region is significant considering the constant threat from China to the Arunachal Pradesh and the recent Dokalam issue. China is already ahead of India in connecting with ASEAN. For eg: Border province of Yunnan is well connected with Myanmar. This gives China advantage in trade relation with ASEAN. India needs to develop North – East region on similar lines to forge a deep relation with ASEAN.

Suggestions

A significant policy should be formulated by the government to invest in capacity building, health, education, human resources to equip Northeast India for a better relationship with ASEAN countries.

A.T. Kearney-FICCI study has proposed the creation of a North-Eastern Corridor to tap the full potential of connectivity proposals under implementation between India and its Eastern neighbours, including Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Myanmar.

Recently the government signed PEACE ACCORD with Nagaland militants. These measures should be encouraged to make better living condition and atmosphere which can facilitate trade. There is a need for confidence-building measures to reduce the gap between administrators and civilians.

Need more focus and cooperation of ASEAN-INDIA business council for better interaction between the business community.

More people-to-people contact through cooperation in sports, culture etc.

Creation of Northeast Tourism development corporation in coordination with the ASEAN Countries to standardize the tourism development in India and the ASEAN countries.

Multicultural and ethnic studies should be encouraged.

ASEAN countries should be welcomed for investing in capacity building in the areas of agriculture, tourism, infrastructure etc.

The Refining capability of petroleum products in northeast India can be effectively used by importing crude from ASEAN countries like Myanmar which is rich in petroleum and gas reserves.

ASEAN-INDIA Network Think tank should be encouraged to propose new ways to enhance the cooperation.

Border trades like BORDER HAATS should be encouraged to increase people-to-people interactions and trade.

Way Forward

North East region of India is significant to enhance India’s interaction and cooperation with the ASEAN countries. This can be realized only if the flaws and caveats in the implementation of projects in the region are removed. A joint effort by the government at all level, use of high-end technology and people’s active participation can enhance the status of the northeast, turning it into a development hub. This can enhance the trade and cooperation with the ASEAN thereby promoting India’s Act east policy.

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